Definition

To undergo a chemical process in which small molecules combine to form a larger, more complex structure called a polymer.

Example

The scientists studied how the materials polymerise when exposed to heat.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen how they polymerise plastics in the lab?

No, I haven't. How does it work?

They combine small molecules to form a larger structure, which is pretty cool.

That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polymerise → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "meris" (from Greek "meros", meaning part). The word describes the process of combining many parts into a whole, specifically in the context of chemistry where small molecules join to form larger structures.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') parts coming together ('meris') to form a larger whole, which is what polymerise means.

Visually Confused Words